COVID-19

Starting Tuesday, February 15, COVID-19 vaccine booster shots will be expanded for young Albertans who are immunocompromised and with underlying health conditions.

Alberta youth between the ages of 12 and 17 with underlying health conditions as well as all First Nations, Metis, and Inuit youth will be eligible to book for a COVID vaccine booster (third) shot.

Plus, youth aged 12 to 17 with immunocompromising conditions will be eligible to book a COVID booster (fourth) dose. Individuals must wait at least five months after the third dose.

The latest COVID-19 numbers are in.    

Currently, 1,528 Albertans are in hospital with the virus, including 124 in intensive care.      

Thirty-five deaths were reported over the weekend, bringing the total to 3,776 since the start of the pandemic.     

Local update                            

Manitoba continues to report on the recorded number of COVID-19 cases. However, it is important to note this data is limited and should be used with caution. It includes cases confirmed by a PCR test as well as rapid tests given by health care professionals. Positive test results from rapid antigen tests, which people generally do at home, are not collected or reported. As a result, these numbers are an under-reporting of COVID-19 in the community.

Public health officials advise 19 new deaths in people with COVID-19 are being reported today:

Premier Doug Ford announced Monday (February 14, 2022) the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions gradually starting on February 17, 2022.

“Given how well Ontario has done in the Omicron wave we are able to fast track our reopening plan,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This is great news and a sign of just how far we've come together in our fight against the virus. While we aren’t out of the woods just yet we are moving in the right direction.”

Effective February 17, 2022

Ontario will further ease public health measures, including, but not limited to:

Masks are no longer required for students at school or on the bus starting today (Feb. 14).

Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools (CTR) is following suit with the latest recommendations.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Morrison says it's very much in line with their approach to previous COVID measures.

The province’s top doctor says he and his team are expected to make new recommendations to the government this week, on when masking and the proof-of-vaccination system should end.

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, says a steady decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations may force the government’s hand to adjust public health measures sooner rather than later.

After a busy few weeks for the Conservative Party, Eric Melillo offers his thoughts on the situation.  

In a weekly interview with Q104’s Ken O'Neil, Kenora MP Eric Melillo shed more light on the situation happening within the Conservative Party.  

Erin O’Toole, former leader of the PC’s resigned from his position on February 2, 2022, since then, the party has been working to find a new leader.  

As of Thursday, February 10, nearly 3.4 million Albertans aged 12 and older have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Additionally, 86.3 per cent of Albertans 12 and older have now received two doses. 

To date, 226,400 pediatric vaccines (first and second doses) have been administered to children aged five to eleven. 

Manitoba continues to report on the recorded number of COVID-19 cases. However, it is important to note this data is limited and should be used with caution. It includes cases confirmed by a PCR test as well as rapid tests given by health-care professionals. Positive test results from rapid antigen tests, which people generally do at home, are not collected or reported. As a result, these numbers are an under-reporting of COVID-19 in the community.

Public health officials advise seven new deaths in people with COVID-19 are being reported today:

Manitoba has announced plans to remove proof of vaccination requirements on March 1. That announcement was made Friday morning by Premier Heather Stefanson and Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin. 

Stefanson says with key COVID-19 indicators stabilizing or improving, Manitoba is moving forward with a plan to further reduce public health restrictions next week. She says Manitoba will continue to make adjustments as needed in the coming weeks based on the guidance of public health officials, including requirements for proof of vaccination.